Newsstand Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Jared McCain Undergoes Thumb Surgery, Out 4-6 Weeks

October 1st, 2025 at 7:27am CST by Rory Maher

October 1: McCain underwent surgery to repair a UCL tear in his right thumb on Tuesday, the team tweets. He’ll be reevaluated in approximately four weeks.

September 27: McCain is expected to undergo thumb surgery and will miss four-to-six weeks, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on NBA Today (video link).

September 25: Sixers guard Jared McCain sustained a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right thumb during a workout on Thursday, reports Tim Bontemps of ESPN (via Twitter).

The Sixers officially confirmed the unfortunate news in a press release (Twitter link).

It’s yet another injury blow for the 76ers, who have dealt with numerous absences to key players over the years. That was particularly true in 2024/25, when Philadelphia went just 24-58 after handing out several lucrative contracts in the 2024 offseason.

It’s also an unfortunate setback for McCain, who was one of the early bright spots amid a disappointing start last season. The No. 16 pick of the 2024 draft, McCain was among the Rookie of the Year frontrunners to open ’24/25, averaging 15.3 points, 2.6 assists and 2.4 rebounds on .460/.383/.875 shooting in 23 games (25.7 MPG) prior to suffering a season-ending injury — a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee, which required surgery — in December.

McCain expressed optimism earlier this month about being ready for the start of training camp. Philadelphia’s media day is tomorrow.

Citing information from InStreetClothes.com, Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports writes that players who suffer a torn UCL during the season typically miss about seven-and-a-half weeks of action (Twitter link). That would theoretically put McCain on track to return in late November.

It’s unclear if McCain’s injury will impact the 76ers’ contract negotiations with restricted free agent guard Quentin Grimes, with the two sides reportedly “very far apart” in talks ahead of the October 1 qualifying offer deadline.

Seth Curry To Join Warriors On One-Year Contract

September 30th, 2025 at 7:45pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Seth Curry is joining forces with his Hall of Fame-bound brother Stephen Curry. He has agreed to a one-year contract with the Warriors, ESPN’s Shams Charania tweets.

Terms of the deal aren’t yet known, but based on the expected starting salaries for Jonathan Kuminga, Al Horford, and De’Anthony Melton, Golden State likely won’t have enough room below its second-apron hard cap to add a 15th man on a standard contract at this point.

If that’s the case, the younger Curry brother figures to sign a non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 deal, which wouldn’t count against the cap. He would have to be waived before opening night, but could re-sign a few weeks into the season once a pro-rated minimum deal would fit below the team’s hard cap. NBA insider Marc Stein confirms (via Twitter) that looks like the plan for the Warriors.

Golden State’s interest in Curry was reported as far back as July. The Warriors delayed their roster moves while trying to resolve Kuminga’s restricted free agency — he finally agreed to a two-year deal on Tuesday.

Curry, 35, has followed a much different NBA path than his brother, who has spent his entire career with Golden State. Seth has played a total of 550 regular season games for Memphis, Cleveland, Phoenix, Sacramento, Dallas, Portland, Philadelphia, Brooklyn and Charlotte.

Last season with the Hornets, he appeared in 68 games (14 starts) and averaged 6.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 15.6 minutes per game. Curry knocked down 45.6 percent of his 3-point attempts and is a 43.3 percent career shooter from deep.

He’ll add depth at the shooting guard spot.

Steve Kerr Doesn’t Anticipate Contract Extension Talks Until After Season

September 30th, 2025 at 5:36pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has only one year left on his contract but doesn’t plan to talk about an extension until after the season, Anthony Slater of ESPN reports.

“I don’t anticipate any negotiation during the season,” Kerr said. “Who knows — maybe it all comes up at some point, and they come to me. But I’m not the slightest bit concerned about it. I don’t think about it. I just think it makes perfect sense for all of us [to wait].”

Kerr is entering his 12th season as Golden State’s head coach but states he hasn’t lost his fire to pursue more championships with the organization.

“I love my job,” Kerr said. “I love what I’m doing every day. I can’t wait to get to the building. Hopefully, I’m here for another few years. But I think it makes sense for the organization and for me to see where this thing is at the end of the year — where they are and where I am. Hopefully, that means we run it back, we keep going with this group, that’d be awesome. But I like the fact we can do it how we want it.”

As Slater notes, the team’s three aging star players — Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green — all have two years remaining on their current contracts. Curry and Green remain staunch Kerr supporters, according to Slater. Though there’s no guarantee Kerr will remain beyond this season, the fact that he wants to remain with the Warriors along with the brass’ strongly support, it would be a huge surprise if he’s not coaching there again next season.

Kerr is currently working off a two-year, $35MM extension he signed during the 2023/24 season.

“I’m very comfortable going into the season with a year left,” Kerr said. “I’m so aligned with [general manager] Mike [Dunleavy] and [owner] Joe [Lacob]. We talked about this — there’s no reason for discussion or concern. This is kind of a point in our relationship where let’s just see how it is at the end of the year.”

Kenrich Williams Undergoes Arthroscopic Procedure On Knee

September 30th, 2025 at 1:20pm CST by Arthur Hill

September 30: Williams will be reevaluated in approximately six-to-eight weeks, according to the Thunder (Twitter link via Derek Parker of Thunder On SI).

September 29: Thunder forward Kenrich Williams will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee today, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link).

The team will provide a timeline for his recovery after the surgery is complete, Scotto adds.

Williams was an important reserve for Oklahoma City during its run to the NBA title last season. He appeared in 69 games, making seven starts and averaging 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 16.4 minutes per night with .483/.386/.718 shooting numbers.

Williams, 30, has been a mainstay in OKC since being acquired from New Orleans in 2020 in a four-team deal. Nicknamed “Kenny Hustle,” he’s a fan favorite for his aggressive style of play. He will make $7.163MM this season, and the team holds an option for the same amount in 2026/27.

The Thunder may have the deepest roster in the league, so there should be no concerns about surviving while Williams heals up. Still, it’s the second bit of bad injury news for the defending champs, who lost rookie center Thomas Sorber to a season-ending ACL tear earlier this month.

Heat’s Tyler Herro Optimistic About Potential Extension

September 30th, 2025 at 8:56am CST by Luke Adams

Heat guard Tyler Herro isn’t participating in training camp this week as he recovers from ankle surgery, but October 1 is an important date for him — he’ll become eligible to sign a veteran contract extension that could be worth a maximum of $149.7MM over three years.

Herro will have a window of about three weeks this fall to sign a new deal. If he and the team don’t have an agreement in place by Oct. 20, he won’t be eligible to sign an extension until the 2026 offseason, as he enters the final year of his current contract.

However, Herro expressed optimism on Monday about his odds of working something out with the Heat before opening night, as Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald relays.

“I expect to get something done. But we’ll see what happens,” Herro said. “I think they’re supposed to meet on Wednesday.

“… It is important for me,” he continued. “I’ve been here six years. I feel like I’ve earned it. I’m not saying what I’ve earned, but I’ve earned something. I think I deserve it, and I want to be here ultimately. I’ve vocally said that.”

Herro, who will earn $31MM this season and $33MM in 2026/27, is coming off the best season of his NBA career. He earned his first All-Star nod and set new career highs in points (23.9) and assists (5.5) per game, along with games played (77) and field goal percentage (47.2%).

That big year doesn’t mean the Heat are prepared to reward him by offering that full $149.7MM, but Herro suggested on Monday that he won’t necessarily be pushing for that maximum extension either. The 25-year-old told reporters that it’s not “$50 million (per year) or nothing,” and added that he has “a number in my mind,” but if he and the team don’t agree to terms, he won’t be frustrated by that outcome.

“I’m not going to hinder this season on getting an extension or not. I’m not going to lose my joy,” Herro said, jokingly referencing a comment former teammate Jimmy Butler made last season. “… I’m excited to play. At the end of the day, I have two years on my contract. And if we don’t get something done, I’m not going to be a problem throughout the organization. I’m happy to be here. … I would love to get something done, like I said, but we’ll see what happens.”

Jazz’s Kessler ‘Frustrated’ By Extension Talks

September 29th, 2025 at 2:34pm CST by Rory Maher

Tony Jones of The Athletic reported last week that the Jazz and fourth-year center Walker Kessler are not expected to reach an agreement on a rookie scale contract extension before the regular season begins, despite having “multiple meetings”over the summer.

According to Jones, part of the reason a deal hasn’t been reached is because the Jazz are trying to maximize their salary cap flexibility next summer. As a restricted free agent in 2026, Kessler would have a cap hold of just $14.9MM — a potential extension would likely feature a much more lucrative starting salary and would replace that cap hold.

Kessler admitted at Monday’s media day that extension talks haven’t been going the way he’d hoped, per Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune.

“I don’t want to talk about it after today, just because I think during the season … I don’t want it to be a distractor for me or for my teammates,” Kessler said.

“But that being said, I’m definitely a little frustrated with how,” he continued, trailing off before finishing, “… if I don’t (receive an extension).”

Kessler declined to answer when asked if Utah had told him it wouldn’t offer him an extension, Larsen writes. Jones reported that the Jazz did offer the 24-year-old an extension and value him highly, but the two sides weren’t close to an agreement.

According to Larsen, Kessler and his camp are looking for a long-term contract “approaching or perhaps even eclipsing” nine figures.

“I don’t want to negotiate publicly, but we’re big fans of Walker,” president of basketball operations Austin Ainge said. “We’ve talked with him and his people this summer and hope to have him around long term, whether that’s an agreement now or later.”

Despite the uncertain contract situation, Kessler said he loves being in Utah and playing for the Jazz, Larsen adds. The former Auburn and North Carolina big man will earn $4.88MM in 2025/26, which is the final season of his rookie scale deal.

Kevin Durant Expects To Sign Extension With Rockets

September 29th, 2025 at 12:59pm CST by Luke Adams

Nearly three months after being officially traded from Phoenix to Houston, Kevin Durant remains on an expiring contract. However, the new Rockets forward, who is celebrating his 37th birthday on Monday, told reporters at media day that he anticipates extending that contract sooner or later in order to remain in Houston.

“I do see myself signing a contract extension,” Durant said (Twitter video link via Danielle Lerner of The Houston Chronicle). “I can’t tell you exactly when that’ll happen, but I do see it happening.”

Based on the latest projection of a $166MM salary cap for 2026/27, Durant is currently eligible for an extension worth up to $119.1MM over two years. That projected total would increase slightly to $120.85MM on January 6, six months after the trade.

However, reporting during the summer suggested the Rockets may be reluctant to give Durant a maximum-salary deal that covers his age-38 and -39 seasons. There has been speculation that an extension could come in closer to $100MM over two years, which would represent a slight step down from his current $54.7MM salary.

Whatever Durant’s next deal looks like, it sounds like he’s confident he’ll get something done with the Rockets. As Lerner relays in her full Houston Chronicle story, the 15-time All-Star also spoke on Monday about why Houston was one of his preferred landing spots when the Suns put him on the trade block during the offseason.

“Just seeing the quick progression of this franchise, where it was right after that James Harden/ Chris Paul era and seeing when (head coach) Ime (Udoka) got here and how he turned it around so fast,” Durant said. “I have some connections here within the organization, people I’ve worked with around the league already, so it felt organic and natural coming into the gym and getting to be a Houston Rocket for the first time. I always had respect for this coaching staff, this fan base, this state, this city. So it feels great.”

Nick Smith Jr. Signs Two-Way Deal With Lakers

September 29th, 2025 at 12:37pm CST by Dana Gauruder

The Lakers have added Nick Smith Jr. on a two-way contract, the team announced in a press release (Twitter link via Khobi Price of the Orange County Register. In a corresponding move, the Lakers waived big man Kylor Kelley.

Smith was waived by the Hornets last week due to Charlotte’s roster crunch and glut of guards. The 21-year-old was the No. 27 overall pick in the 2023 draft. He appeared in 60 games last season, including 27 starts, and averaged 9.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

Smith had been on a guaranteed standard contract prior to being waived but was eligible to sign a two-way contract as a third-year player. He’ll fill the Lakers’ open two-way contract slot alongside Christian Koloko and Chris Manon while also filling the 21st spot on their preseason roster. He replaces Kelley, who was signed late last month on an Exhibit 10 deal.

Kelley appeared in 11 NBA games (two starts) last season with the Pelicans and Mavericks, averaging 3.1 points and 3.5 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per night. He was also in the Lakers organization last season, though he didn’t appear in an NBA game with them. He was on their training camp roster but was waived before opening night. He then joined their G League affiliate.

With the South Bay Lakers last season, the 27-year-old appeared in 32 games (27 starts) and averaged 11.5 points on a career-high 68.2 percent shooting from the field, 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.4 blocks in 26.7 minutes.

If he clears waivers and rejoins South Bay, he’ll be eligible for a bonus worth up to $85,300 if he remains with that team for at least 60 days.

Warriors Sign Payton, Richard; Will Bring Back Melton

September 29th, 2025 at 12:30pm CST by Eli Cohen

September 29, 12:30 pm: The Warriors’ deals with Payton and Richard are now official, according to the team (Twitter links). Since both contracts are worth the minimum, making them official won’t affect Golden State’s other signings.

September 28, 7:42 pm: Free agent guards Gary Payton II and De’Anthony Melton have committed to deals with the Warriors, reports ESPN’s Shams Charania (Twitter link).

The terms of the deal were not included in the report, though they’re likely to be worth the veteran’s minimum. These signings have long been expected around the league, with the understanding being that the Warriors were waiting to complete them until after they finalized their restricted free agency standoff with Jonathan Kuminga.

Payton, a nine-year NBA veteran, has spent a little over four seasons with the Warriors over the course of his career. While he has dealt with injuries in recent years, he appeared in 62 games last season for Golden State, averaging 6.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 15.0 minutes per contest while serving as a versatile, defensive-minded guard/forward who can attack in transition.

Melton is another defensive guard with some injury concerns that have popped up in recent years. He signed with the Warriors ahead of the 2024/25 season, but tore his ACL in just his sixth game with the team, ending his season. Golden State included him in its December trade with the Nets for Dennis Schröder.

During his time with the Warriors, Melton averaged 10.3 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals in 20.2 minutes per night. He has only played in 45 games over the last two seasons and will be hoping for a bounce-back year in terms of health.

The Warriors are also signing rookie Will Richard to a four-year contract, Charania reports (via Twitter). The No. 56 pick in the 2025 draft will receive two fully guaranteed years in the deal.

Richard is a four-year college player who spent his final three seasons for Florida. As a senior in 2024/25, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game and played a key role on the championship-winning team. In six Summer League games for the Warriors, Richard averaged 11.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, and 1.8 SPG.

Word of these three deals follows the report earlier in the day that free agent big man Al Horford had agreed to a multiyear deal with the Warriors. Judging by the four signings, the Warriors appear to be targeting defense, especially along the perimeter, and some level of versatility as they look to round out their roster.

Anthony Slater of ESPN notes (via Twitter) that Horford, Payton, Melton, and Richard will occupy roster spots nine through 13 for the Warriors, and that the 14th spot is currently left for the resolution of the Kuminga standoff.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks adds (via Twitter) that as long as the Warriors don’t sign Kuminga to a deal with a starting salary higher than approximately $23MM, they would have the ability to add a 15th player and remain below the second tax apron. That projection assumes Horford receives the full taxpayer mid-level exception, which would hard-cap Golden State at the second apron.

Sixers Decline To Extend Grimes’ Qualifying Offer Deadline

September 28th, 2025 at 4:19pm CST by Rory Maher

The Sixers will not extend Quentin Grimes‘ October 1 qualifying offer deadline, sources tell Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (all Twitter links). Philadelphia made the 6’5″ wing a restricted free agent when it tendered him a qualifying offer in June.

Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer first reported that Grimes’ agent, David Bauman, had asked the 76ers to extend the QO deadline, which requires the consent of both the player and the team. Fischer confirmed the news on Saturday and specified that Bauman was looking to push back the deadline one week, to Oct. 8.

Fischer’s latest update doesn’t come as a surprise, since he previously said Philadelphia hadn’t shown any interest in granting Bauman’s request.

According to Fischer, the Sixers and Grimes’ camp remain “far apart” in contract negotiations. As multiple reporters have indicated, Grimes appears headed toward re-signing with Philadelphia on a one-year deal — the only question is whether he accepts his $8.74MM QO, which comes with an implied no-trade clause, or signs a more lucrative one-year contract and waives his right to veto a trade.

Either way, we now have confirmation that Grimes’ situation should be resolved by Wednesday.